Saturday, August 1, 2015

What you know Vs. Who you know

If you are skilled on comparing data, navigating systems and determining how to incorporate the overall resolution to a problem, it is based on what you know. Connecting with different people who have similar interest in your ideas, thoughts and business can possibly  provide you the referral needed for a position or a new client is built on who you know.

I can tell you this because within the last 10 years out of the last 3 positions I held; 2 out of 3 were given to me based on referrals. The last recent position I left due to relocation for my family was my place of employment for 5 years.  Each one of the references I received was from a friend and past colleague I worked with at a previous company. Not to mention each connection was fully aware of my educational background, my ability to communicate and connect with anyone. I understand the importance of treating people with respect regardless of age, race, gender, mental or physical abilities and which does not determine their levels of achievements.


What you know can be a factor in many of the accomplishments that you obtain with understanding a few points:

1. THE OPENNESS TO LEARN – Becoming a blank canvas will give you the chance to make mistakes and learn in the process. As we all know, some of the most prominent and greatest success stories are from those that took risks and experienced failure.

      2. ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES- I know this can be difficult. I must admit myself that I am a work in progress on this but it will get better. Have faith and believe. It has aided me in the process of getting over my fears and learning more about varies topics.

      3. INCREASE YOUR LEVEL OF EDUCATION – If you wish to pursue a degree or attend a training course but fear the cost of taking out student loans do not stop there. There are plenty of training courses that you can take online for affordable cost and don’t forget to check your local library for online classes that are offered as well. Remember that the more training and skills you pursue the more you will get to achieving new goals and completing tasks needed to have a thriving business. 

      4. CONFIDENT IN YOUR DECISIONS – Once you make a choice to start a project or make an investment than give it your best. How can you make your creation or project better? Anything that you touch can be better if you give your best. Call or email your mentor and request some time to learn more about that particular field. Contribute anytime that you have free to volunteer and volunteer work does not always have to be in person. Utilize your technical skills and put your ideas on paper then present it to your mentor.

Who you know can be a factor in many of the opportunities you receive once you understand a few points:

1. There are certain accomplishments that you were able to make because you’ve had the assistance or help of someone.

2.   BE OPEN FOR CHANGE.

3.   SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION with follow-up emails, cards or small gifts. It will be one of the greatest investments as an entrepreneur or employee representative that you have given.

4. RESPECT YOUR INVESTMENT - When you respect yourself and your brand than you show others that there is no lacking on your end in your business. You are a walking reflection of yourself and the abilities that you possess. Start talking LESS about yourself and your associates will start talking MORE about how amazing you are. Give people a reason to like you, love you and accept those that challenge you. At the beginning most people might not like you at all or even have interest in you and that is okay.

5. SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU! You will not feel as if you've wasted energy into those that have not even given you a word of encouragement. There will be people in your life that may not necessarily need a service or product that you offer. It does not matter because the process of networking does not always mean that I should always see a self-serving benefit. Show up to an event, refer someone else to them that can help them earn a sale or offer you volunteering. If you feel uncomfortable with supporting them in their journey of successes than what benefit have you gained from your connection with them. You became a walking promotional tool when you discussed their business with someone else that was looking for their services, right? Than show some love, what do you have to lose?


You have to show and prove at the end of the day. That's what makes you so great in your business, position and maintaining your reputation.


Thanks for your continued support and I wish you all the best.


Sincerely,


Mimi